Sanjay Nirupam snatches BJP Corporator's cellphone at road event

Congress Lok Sabha MP Sanjay Nirupam was today involved in an angry exchange of words with a BJP Corporator at an event here during which he allegedly damaged the latter's mobile phone.

A non-cognisable offence has been registered against Nirupam on a complaint lodged by the Corporator, Vinod Shelar, police said. The incident took place during a foundation stone laying ceremony for a road in suburban Dindoshi. The ceremony was organised by Congress workers under Nirupam's leadership.

Shelar, the local Corportor, objected to the programme saying such a ceremony has already been organised by the BJP a few days ago and the North Mumbai was trying to take undue credit for the development work. He also cited the model code of conduct, which came into effect today, to oppose the event.

The foundation for the road had been laid a few days ago by BJP, Shelar said. "Nirupam today wanted to carry out the same programme to woo voters ahead of elections. It is also violation of model code of conduct." This led to a heated argument between Congress workers and Shelar, police said, adding "there are allegations Nirupam snatched Shelar's phone and banged it on the ground. Nirupam thought Shelar was recording the commotion." Following the complaint by Shelar, a non-cognisable offence was registered against Nirupam and others under IPC Sections 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of Rs 50) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) at Dindoshi police station, police said.

Local office of the Election Commission will be informed about the incident, they said. Under non-cognisable offences, no FIR is filed and the police can arrest a person only with permission from the court.